David Stewart

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- David Mack Stewart, 83, of Marble Hill passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, in Jackson.

He was born Sept. 20, 1937, in St. Louis, son of Harold "Mack" Stewart and Lora Mae Coil Stewart. He and Lee Frances Pomeroy were united in marriage Sept. 1, 1962, in Lutesville, Missouri, and she passed away Dec. 10, 2016.

David had many careers throughout his life but had a special love for teaching and writing. He was a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and also Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. David studied theology and English, and held degrees in math and physics and a Ph.D. in geophysics and was a well-respected seismologist and scientist. For many years, he was known as the foremost expert regarding the New Madrid fault, and authored and co-authored several books on earthquakes. David was a childbirth educator with the Bradley Method, a statistician in the field of childbirth, and co-authored several books on natural childbirth and midwifery, one of which won the "Books of the Year Award" in the American Journal of Nursing. Together, David and Lee founded NAPSAC International (The International Association of Parents and Professionals for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth). David was also a retired United Methodist pastor. Over the last 20 years, David expressed his love for teaching through essential oils and aromatherapy, a field in which he became well known and respected for his publications, knowledge and seminars. He was beloved by many whom he touched as a mentor and friend, and may be most well known for his books, "Healing Oils of the Bible" and "Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple: God's Love Manifest in Molecules." In 2001, David and Lee founded CARE International (Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education). Many years later, they together reached the coveted rank of Diamond with Young Living Essential Oils. Countless lives have been touched by David and his many works.

He is survived by his sons, Jonathan (Pamela) Stewart of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Keith (Shu-O) Stewart of Jackson, Benjamin (Jennifer) Stewart of Glendale, California, and Anthony Stewart of Marble Hill; daughter, Lora Lee Stewart of Rome, Gerogia; brother, Ted Stewart of Jefferson City, Missouri; sisters, Sue Ellen Brockmeier of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jan Stauffer of Portland, Oregon; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Lee, and his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at Marble Hill United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Tim Zysch officiating. Burial will follow in Baker Cemetery near Marble Hill.